New Training Technology for First Responders

Members of the CWI Paramedic program pose with the College's new state-of-the-art simulation manikin.

Friday, September 6, 2013 - 3:15pm

MEDIA ADVISORY - On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) unveiled the next generation in emergency medical services training; HAL®, a state of the art simulation manikin that has been acquired for use by CWI’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs. Funding for the new industry leading manikin was made possible by a generous donation from Capital Matrix a local organization committed to the future of our communities through economic development and job creation.

“Advanced simulators like HAL are not cheap at a price tag of just over $48,000. This generous grant from Capital Matrix will help ensure our communities continue to receive the highly trained EMS personnel we need so that they are ready to serve when you or a loved one needs emergency care,” Dr. Glandon said.

“HAL is the only tether-less simulator in the Treasure Valley that is capable of replicating emergency scenarios using real monitors, blood pressure cuffs, defibrillators, and more,” says CWI Paramedic Program Director, Dexter Hunt. “The technology provides realistic scenarios that can be pre-programed or changed by the instructor during an exercise. HAL is also capable of providing responses based on a student’s action. The capabilities truly are unlike anything else you will find for training here in western Idaho.”

Today, in the United States, there are over 840,000 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and 72,500 paramedics. This equates to one paramedic for every 4,300 people in the U.S. The need for these first responders is projected to grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 33 percent over the next 10 years. But despite the dramatic increase in demand, several challenges make training for the profession increasingly difficult.

“With the restriction in training that these highly skilled emergency medical personnel are experiencing and the ever growing need for their services, something had to be done,” says Capital Matrix President, Deborah K. Brown. “At Capital Matrix, we are committed to the continued economic growth of our communities, and without the foundational pieces such as effective emergency medical services growth could be stifled.”

The College of Western Idaho is a public, open-access, and comprehensive community college committed to providing affordable access to quality teaching and learning opportunities to the residents of its service area in western Idaho. CWI has seven campus locations throughout Southwest Idaho providing higher education and 21st Century technical skills acquisition. The college is dedicated to improving the community’s economic well-being by responding with highly-educated and productive graduates. The foundation for the area’s only community college was created by a supermajority of voters in Ada and Canyon counties on May 22, 2007. For more information about the college, visit www.cwidaho.cc or call (208) 562-3000.

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Capital Matrix, Inc. is a certified development company that services primarily the State of Idaho. This non-profit company has provided SBA 504 loans to borrowers since 1984 and has assisted over 1,000 businesses in owning their building and/or equipment. Capital Matrix’ goal is to provide quality, timely loan processing for their borrowers. Responsibilities include providing information about the 504 program, assess eligibility of borrowers and projects, underwrite, process, close and service 504 loans. For more information about Capital Matrix, visit capitalmatrix.org or call (208) 383-3473.